REGIONAL transport operator Sandlant has celebrated 100 years in business. Herbert “Bert” Sandlant started the bus company in 1918 in Lexton. Herbert Sandlant’s grandson, Graeme Sandlant, now owns and operates the business. Graeme said his grandfather started the business when he identified an increasing need for residents to travel to Ballarat from Lexton. “A truck was converted to transport local residents and soldiers returning from leave. It also transported men playing football and, of course, patrons to any dances held within the district,” he said. Graeme’s father Ian Sandlant started working for the business as soon as he obtained his driver’s licence about 1927. Graeme said Sandlant was one of the first licensed bus operators in Victoria. “Sandlant was granted passenger bus licence number 36 to operate a route service between Elmhurst and Ballarat in May 1928,” he said. Graeme said Sandlant had been a pioneer in public passenger transport in central Victoria throughout its 100 years in business. “Sandlant always listened, has been proactive and focused in providing transport options,” he said. Graeme said it was fantastic to share stories and memories at an anniversary event in Landborough this week with family, friends and business associates. “All our family were able to come together and share in the moment,” he said. Graeme said welcoming former business associates to the event was meaningful. “It was wonderful to see the people who were in business and associated with my father and add a personal view to the story,” he said. Member for Wannon Dan Tehan unveiled a book on the business’ history during the celebration. “Small businesses such as Sandlant buses, are the engine room of our economy providing jobs in the local community. The 100-year celebration demonstrates an ongoing commitment and confidence in the local community by the Sandlant family,” he said. Graeme said his business aspirations were exciting, visionary and a “work in progress”. While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you’re up-to-date with all the news from across the Northern Grampians shire, sign up here.

Graeme said his grandfather started the business when he identified an increasing need for residents to travel to Ballarat from Lexton.

“A truck was converted to transport local residents and soldiers returning from leave. It also transported men playing football and, of course, patrons to any dances held within the district,” he said.

Graeme’s father Ian Sandlant started working for the business as soon as he obtained his driver’s licence about 1927.

Graeme said Sandlant was one of the first licensed bus operators in Victoria.

“Sandlant was granted passenger bus licence number 36 to operate a route service between Elmhurst and Ballarat in May 1928,” he said.

Graeme said Sandlant had been a pioneer in public passenger transport in central Victoria throughout its 100 years in business.

“Sandlant always listened, has been proactive and focused in providing transport options,” he said.

Graeme said it was fantastic to share stories and memories at an anniversary event in Landborough this week with family, friends and business associates.

“All our family were able to come together and share in the moment,” he said.

Graeme said welcoming former business associates to the event was meaningful.

“It was wonderful to see the people who were in business and associated with my father and add a personal view to the story,” he said.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan unveiled a book on the business’ history during the celebration.

“Small businesses such as Sandlant buses, are the engine room of our economy providing jobs in the local community. The 100-year celebration demonstrates an ongoing commitment and confidence in the local community by the Sandlant family,” he said.

Graeme said his business aspirations were exciting, visionary and a “work in progress”.

While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you’re up-to-date with all the news from across the Northern Grampians shire, sign up here.